The El Monte Union High School District board of trustees Wednesday backed away from a restructuring plan that included hefty raises for some administrators.

If the plan had been approved, the five district directors, who assist the superintendent in areas such as research and curriculum and career training, would each have received raises ranging from about $24,000 to $27,000 per year.

The proposal faced heavy opposition from some teachers and parents in the district, and the board of trustees took no action on it, effectively killing it.

Priscilla Robinson, a 35-year veteran of the district who teaches at Mountain View High School, said she was “appalled” by the plan.

“When I heard about this (restructuring), I was extremely upset,” Robinson said. “I felt like this was the biggest slap in the face.”

Turnout from opponents of the plan was so great that many were left standing in hallways, with some spilling out the front doors of the district office.

At one point, the meeting was nearly shut down by fire officials who said the large crowd was a safety hazard. By broadcasting the proceedings over a speaker placed outside, the board was able to clear the hallways and continue.

Among those opposing the plan was Cathy Satterfield, president of the El Monte Union Educators Association, the union representing the district’s teachers.

Satterfield took issue with the idea that the salary increases were necessary for the increased authority the directors would be given under the restructuring.

“It has been indicated that these raises are for authority,” she said. “Authority for what? Does authority really cost $27,000 for one year?”

Superintendent Nick Salerno said the restructuring is necessary because the directors make decisions affecting the principals, but they fall below the principals in the district hierarchy. The plan would have placed them at a higher level.

Many parents and teachers expressed outrage the district would consider raises for administrators while it faces a tight budget.

The proposal also faced opposition from Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, who sent a representative to read a letter prepared by her.

Fred Ortega, Chu’s district director, urged the board to reconsider the proposal.

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